Freshman Ali Morallos earned a medal by finishing third at the CIF-SS Southern Division regional on Monday to lead three Wilson High girls into the CIF-SS Individual Finals Nov. 7 at Talega Golf Club.

Morallos shot a 3-under 69 at the par-72 Mile Square Golf Classic in Fountain Valley to earn the third and final medal awarded to the top finishers in the 117-player field.

Fresh from her Moore League individual championship, Wilson senior Alicia Arzaga shot a 73 to finish tied for 12th and take the next step on what she hopes will be a journey to the state tournament. Wilson senior Hannah Cruz also qualified, shooting a 77 to tie for 37th. With 45 qualifiers for the CIF finals and 10 tied for the last nine spots, Cruz survived a playoff by making par on the first playoff hole.

“This is the best year we’ve had in recent years,” said Wilson coach Jeff Evans, who ran one of the CIF-SS’s two individual qualifying regionals. “To have three girls in the individual finals is pretty special.

“Alicia made it individually before. Three of them advancing is pretty neat.”

Morallos has been on a tear of late. She rallied from nine shots behind in the Moore League finals to finish just a shot behind Arzaga and shot six birdies on Monday.

“I think she knows she has some ability,” Evans said. “She’s a really solid player. As the putts go in these last few rounds, you see what she’s capable of doing. It’s no surprise.”

For Arzaga, the round was another step in her goal of making state. She was excited to play well and advance but not overly emotional, Evans said.

“Alecia has moved out of this regional before,” Evans said. “She was happy how she played, but it was more her continuing to take care of business.”

Morallos, Arzaga and Cruz advancing bodes well for Wilson’s chances in the CIF-SS team competition that begins Thursday. Wilson’s Shemaiah Javillonar came close to advancing herself, shooting a 79. McKenna Rotell, the team’s fifth qualifier out of league, shot an 85.

Lakewood’s Danielle Nhem also came close to advancing, shooting a 79. No other Long Beach area golfers advanced.

“We’re excited about our chances in team competition,” Evans said. “If the girls just shoot what they are capable of, like they did today, that bodes well for us.”

Great Oak’s Monika Poomcharoen, a junior, won the individual regional with a blazing 6-under 66. Mission Viejo’s Brittany Farrell was second at 68.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.